A speedboat driver has been given a police warning after using his boat to terrorise a flock of Brent geese on Two Tree Island in Leigh.

Horrified birdwatchers alerted police after seeing two boats driving repeatedly into the flock, terrifying the birds and causing them to scatter.

Incensed, the onlookers called Essex Police's wildlife co-ordinator, PC Andrew Long, who managed to trace the driver one of the boats.

The driver was given a warning because he was unaware of the legislation. As a result, English Nature is acting to improve signing at the island.

Chris Durdin, spokesman for the RSPB, said: "It sounds like rather stupid behaviour and a police warning seems to be the appropriate response.

"It's a matter of common sense.

"It's nice that this guy enjoys the estuary but would better if he could enjoy it, as most people do, in a rather more peaceful way."